German bishops call for reference to God in EU Constitution

Rome, Italy, Mar 3, 2004 / 12:00 am (CNA).- On Monday the president of the German Bishops Conference, Cardinal Karl Lehman, called for the inclusion of a reference to God in the European Union’s Constitution, as well as references to the religious and cultural traditions of Europe.

“We ask that a reference to God and to the religious and cultural traditions of Europe, especially the Bible, be included in the European Constitution,” said the Cardinal, addressing the general assembly of the German Bishops Conference.

During the general assembly, which will conclude on Thursday, the Conference will address such issues as the celebration of funeral rites in contemporary society, the integration of immigrants and the future of military service in Germany.